Bottura: «Pull down the walls». The opening of Refettorio in London

Right after the service, the official opening of Refettorio Felix took place. Some 120 guests participated. Presented by Tom Parker Bowles, …

A community kitchen that uses surplus food to create lunches for people from underprivileged backgrounds

REFETTORIO Felix is a pioneering community kitchen that serves lunch each weekday to local guests from underprivileged backgrounds. Supported by London Food Month and Westfield, Refettorio Felix has a daily changing menu, dependent on what surplus ingredients are supplied by London food waste charity The Felix Project.

The Refettorio’s aim is to use art, design and high-quality gastronomy to show the value of food surplus while encouraging social inclusion. It’s been masterminded by Food for Soul, a non-profit organisation founded by chef Massimo Bottura (left), who has set up similar projects in Milan during Expo 2015, and during Rio’s 2016 Olympics.

The Refettorio’s location is St Cuthbert’s Centre — a historic community space in Earl’s Court that’s been entirely refurbished for the launch. After Massimo Bottura kicked off the cooking on June 5, more than 30 of London’s top chefs, including

Although the lunch service is not open to the public, those interested in being involved can sign up to volunteer. There will also be a visiting time between 4pm and 5pm where curious Londoners can have a look around. Beyond London Food Month, Refettorio Felix will continue to serve meals as well as host events and workshops to engage the local community in the fight against food waste.